Updated April 16, 2024 to reflect recent changes to Apple M3 capabilities. Looking to add multiple external displays to your entry level M3 computers? We discuss how to enable multi-monitor setups with the base M3 chip here. In this post, we’re going to examine how to how to leverage the full GPU capabilities from Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max systems in multi-monitor setups. The solutions are also compatible with the previous M2 Pro/Max and M1 Pro/Max generation of chips. But first, here’s a refresher about the external display capabilities of the M3 chips: For more details about official monitor support, see this KB article from Apple: How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support MacBook Pro GPU capabilities through Thunderbolt for Dual 4K 60Hz and beyond with the M3 Pro or M3 Max Chip High performance or specialized users such as machine learning programmers, 3D artists, or those working in video production, may require the enhanced performance of the M3 Pro or M3 Max. Those powerhouse systems are useful for demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop, Maxon Redshift, and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve. Below are some solutions to connect external displays for maximum performance in your MacBook Pro deployments, including options for ultrawide and high refresh rate applications. For a high performance dual monitor docking station that utilizes the GPU, we recommend using Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 and/or HDMI as these will utilize the M3 GPU capabilities for high performance graphics. None of these options require driver installation, meaning no drivers or setup is required. M3 Max Only M3 Max Only Single External Display Dual External Displays Triple External Displays Quad External Displays Dock Dock Dock + One Cable Dock + Two Cables TB3CDK2DH M3 External Display Thunderbolt 3 Dock (Up to 5K 60) or Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Dock (Up to 6K 60) TB3CDK2DH M3 Multi-Monitor Thunderbolt 3 Dock (dual up to 4K 60) or Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Dock (dual up to 6K 60) Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Dock (dual up to 6K 60) + HDMM21V2M 8K 60Hz M3 Compatible HDMI Cable (for third up to 8K 60) See more details and the diagram below There are several ways to achieve a quad display setup with the M3 Max (including M2 Max and M1 Max systems). Here’s one option that incorporates a docking station for expanded connectivity options: Monitor 1 & Monitor 2 ---> Thunderbolt 4 Dock TB4CDOCK for up to dual 6K 60Hz Monitor 3 ---> CDP2DP146B USB-C to DisplayPort up to 6K 60Hz or 135B-USBC-HDMI212M USB-C to HDMI up to 6K 60Hz Monitor 4 ---> HDMM21V2M HDMI to HDMI up to 4K at 144Hz If a full docking station solution isn’t required for the M3 Pro or M3 Max, it’s also possible to use direct cable connection to a monitor using Thunderbolt, USB-C to DisplayPort or HDMI, or HDMI cabling [link to M3 cables list], or a Thunderbolt dual display adapter: TBLT4MM1M - Thunderbolt 4 Cable for Thunderbolt Display with M3 - Compatible with any M3 / M2 / M1 MacBook Pro and iMac CDP2DP146B - USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable for M3 external display - Compatible with any M3 MacBook Pro and iMac 135B-USBC-HDMI212M or USBC-HDMI-CDP2HD4K60 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Cables - Compatible with any M3 MacBook Pro and iMac TB32DP14 - Thunderbolt to Dual DisplayPort for M3 dual monitor display (For High Performance Dual 4K 60Hz Displays with M3 Pro and Max through Thunderbolt) TB32HD24K60 - Thunderbolt to Dual HDMI external display for M3 StarTech.com makes connectivity easy for Apple M3, with options for docking stations, display adapters, or direct attached cabling to the monitor. Additionally, the suggested accessories in this blog post are ideal for all Pro and Max systems, including Apple M3, M2, and M1 chips. For easy reference of all these solutions, download the Apple M3 Multi-Monitor & Compatible Accessory Finder: Learn more about M3 / M2 / M1 Solutions for Single and Multi-Monitor Setups